In addition to a camera, digiscoping also requires a spotting scope with eyepiece, a camera adapter and a tripod with a balance rail (spotting scope rail).
Spotting scopes
Your spotting scope should have a good optical system (HD – high definition) that reproduces images brightly and with lifelike colours – after all, the image that comes out of the eyepiece is what is captured by the digital camera’s CCD sensor. A smooth focusing ring that allows fine adjustments is especially important when taking images with high magnification. Ensure that your spotting scope is compact, robust and lightweight (magnesium technology), and that you have some adapters suitable for digiscoping. There are two main types of spotting scope construction for you to choose between. Angled scopes are comfortable to use and allow the tripod to be set lower. Straight spotting scope designs have proved ideal for taking photographs using an SLR camera and TLS adapter as they can be used in the same way as an SLR and telephoto lens.
Eyepieces
The eyepiece and magnification level you choose can also have an impact on the images you take. Most digiscopers use a wide-angle eyepiece. You can choose from fixed eyepieces with 30x magnification, for example, or variable eyepieces with 25-50x magnification. The version currently favoured by digiscopers is a wide-angle zoom eyepiece with 25-50x magnification. The zoom range is of particular importance for wildlife watching and it allows the user to change the magnification according to the particular situation.
Adapters
Adapters should fit perfectly to your spotting scope and its eyepiece. The main purpose of a digital camera adapter is to align the camera with the spotting scope, although it also performs two other important functions: it secures the camera to the observation spotting scope and prevents stray light from entering the camera lens and interfering with the correct exposure of the image. Make sure that you can handle the adapter quickly and easily. When out in the field, you might have not much time to get your camera in position and take the shot. The digiscoping products from Swarovski Optik combine the superior optical performance of Swarovski Optik spotting scopes with the advanced features of your camera. The universal UCA camera adapter for compact and SLR cameras, the innovative DCB digital camera base, the tried and tested DCA digital camera adapter and the TLS 800 telephoto lens system for digital and classic SLR cameras are used to connect ATM/ATS or STM/STS spotting scopes to your camera and form the ideal system for taking true-colour photographs. And, finally, these accessories feature a uniform design to ensure that your digiscoping equipment truly looks like it belongs together.
Tripod
A tripod is essential for sharp, high-contrast images when taking photographs, much more so than when observing. Optimal stability makes a considerable contribution to image quality.
Different types of tripods are available for a range of different uses. At high magnifications, the camera’s sensor is very sensitive to motion, and the slightest shake will result in a blurred picture. Keep the tripod legs and centre column as low as possible when shooting, to allow them to dampen even the smallest of vibrations more efficiently. A carbon-fibre tripod can dampen vibrations more effectively than an aluminium tripod, and is also significantly lighter than aluminium or wood. Another stabilisation option is a weight bag: an accessory that hangs below the centre column and can be filled with rocks, sand, etc. to provide additional vibration dampening.
Tripod head
The tripod head plays an important role. The smoother the movements the tripod head makes, the easier it is to frame and lock in the shot. Two-way panheads are most often used for wildlife watching and digiscoping. Once again, there is a wide range on offer and both weight and functionality are deciding factors.
Spotting scope/balance rails
Technically, spotting scopes are designed to remain balanced when mounted on a tripod even if the tripod head has not been locked into position. However, digiscoping causes the centre of gravity to shift backwards, especially when using an SLR camera. The combined weight needs to be brought forward to ensure that the spotting scope can be panned and used easily. The spotting scope rail for Swarovski Optik spotting scopes enables this to be done quickly and easily according to your specific requirements. If the tripod head is not locked, aim to position the entire setup on the spotting scope rail in a way that ensures it is balanced horizontally. This will prevent the setup from shaking or moving when you move from your observation position to take photographs.